Threshold Filtering

Threshold filters, following the guidance of Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) are used to exclude specific results values from the SEACAR Analysis. Based on the threshold filters, Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) Flags are inserted into the SEACAR_QAQCFlagCode and SEACAR_QAQC_Description columns of the export data. The Include column indicates whether the QAQC Flag will also indicate that data are excluded from analysis. No data are excluded from the data export, but the analysis scripts can use the Include column to exclude data (1 to include, 0 to exclude).

Continuous Water Quality threshold values
Parameter Name Units Low Threshold High Threshold Sensor Type
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L 0 50 YSI EXOs
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L 0 50 Analysis Only - 2022-04-04
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L 0 50 6600 Series
Salinity ppt 0 70 6600 Series
Salinity ppt 0 70 YSI EXOs
Salinity ppt 0 70 Analysis Only - 2022-04-04
Water Temperature Degrees C -5 45 YSI EXOs
Water Temperature Degrees C -5 45 Analysis Only - 2022-04-04
Water Temperature Degrees C -5 45 6600 Series
pH pH 2 14 Analysis Only - 2022-04-04
pH pH 2 14 6600 Series
pH pH 2 14 YSI EXOs
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation % 0 500 YSI EXOs
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation % 0 500 6600 Series
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation % 0 500 Analysis Only - 2022-04-04
Specific Conductivity mS/cm 0 100 6600 Series
Specific Conductivity mS/cm 0 200 YSI EXOs
Turbidity NTU 0 4000 YSI EXOs
Turbidity NTU 0 1000 6600 Series
Turbidity NTU 0 4000 Analysis Only - 2022-04-04
Discrete Water Quality threshold values
Parameter Name Units Low Threshold High Threshold
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L 0.000001 22
Salinity ppt 0 70
Water Temperature Degrees C 3 40
pH 2 13
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation % 0.000001 310
Specific Conductivity mS/cm 0.005000001 100
Turbidity NTU 0 -
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mg/L 0 -
Chlorophyll a uncorrected for pheophytin ug/L 0 -
Chlorophyll a corrected for pheophytin ug/L 0 -
Secchi Depth m 0.000001 50
Light Extinction Coefficient m^1 0 -
Colored dissolved organic matter, CDOM PCU 0 -
Fluorescent dissolved organic matter, FDOM QSE 0 -
Total Nitrogen mg/L 0 -
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen TKN mg/L 0 -
NO2+3 Filtered mg/L 0 -
NH4 Filtered mg/L 0 -
Total Phosphorus mg/L 0 -
PO4 Filtered mg/L 0 -
Ammonia- Un-ionized (NH3) mg/L 0 -
Nitrate (N) mg/L 0 -
Nitrite (N) mg/L 0 -
Nitrogen, organic mg/L 0 -
Quality Assurance Flags inserted based on threshold checks listed in Table 1 & 2
SEACAR QAQC Description Include SEACAR QAQCFlagCode
Exceeds Maximum threshold. Not verified in raw data No 2Q
Exceeds Maximum threshold. Verified in raw data No 3Q
Below Minimum threshold. Not verified in raw data No 4Q
Below Minimum threshold. Verified in raw data No 5Q
Within threshold tolerance Yes 6Q
No defined thresholds for this parameter Yes 7Q

Value Qualifiers

Value qualifier codes included within the data are used to exclude certain results from the analysis. The data are retained in the data export files, but the analysis uses the Include column to filter the results.

STORET and WIN value qualifier codes

Value qualifier codes from STORET and WIN data are examined with the database and used to populate the Include column in data exports.

Value Qualifier codes excluded from analysis
Qualifier Source Value Qualifier Include MDL Description
STORET-WIN H No 0 Value based on field kit determination; results may not be accurate
STORET-WIN J No 0 Estimated value
STORET-WIN V No 0 Analyte was detected at or above method detection limit
STORET-WIN Y No 0

Discrete Water Quality Value Qualifiers

The following value qualifiers are highlighted in the Discrete Water Quality section of this report. An exception is made for Program 476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network and data flagged with Value Qualifier H are included for this program only.

H - Value based on field kit determiniation; results may not be accurate. This code shall be used if a field screening test (e.g., field gas chromatograph data, immunoassay, or vendor-supplied field kit) was used to generate the value and the field kit or method has not been recognized by the Department as equivalent to laboratory methods.

I - The reported value is greater than or equal to the laboratory method detection limit but less than the laboratory practical quantitation limit.

Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time. This code shall be used if the value is derived from a sample that was prepared or analyzed after the approved holding time restrictions for sample preparation or analysis.

S - Secchi disk visible to bottom of waterbody. The value reported is the depth of the waterbody at the location of the Secchi disk measurement.

U - Indicates that the compound was analyzed for but not detected. This symbol shall be used to indicate that the specified component was not detected. The value associated with the qualifier shall be the laboratory method detection limit. Unless requested by the client, less than the method detection limit values shall not be reported

Systemwide Monitoring Program (SWMP) value qualifier codes

Value qualifier codes from the SWMP continuous program are examined with the database and used to populate the Include column in data exports. SWMP Qualifier Codes are indicated by QualifierSource=SWMP.

SWMP Value Qualifier codes
Qualifier Source Value Qualifier Include Description
SWMP -1 Yes Optional parameter not collected
SWMP -2 No Missing data
SWMP -3 No Data rejected due to QA/QC
SWMP -4 No Outside low sensor range
SWMP -5 No Outside high sensor range
SWMP 0 Yes Passed initial QA/QC checks
SWMP 1 No Suspect data
SWMP 2 Yes Reserved for future use
SWMP 3 Yes
SWMP 4 Yes Historical: Pre-auto QA/QC
SWMP 5 Yes Corrected data

Water Column

The water column habitat extends from the surface of all water bodies to the bottom sediments and encompasses the different features found in the water at different depths (National Oceanographic Center, 2016). The water column habitat must be viewed in relation to its interconnectedness with other habitats. A healthy water column is an integral component in ensuring a healthy marine and coastal ecosystem. Having a flourishing marine and coastal ecosystem in Florida is necessary to support a strong economy. The health of the water column is dependent upon factors as diverse as land use (e.g., agriculture, mining, forestry practices); human population growth; emissions, (e.g., power plants, automobiles, wastewater); climate (e.g., rainfall, temperature, winds and currents); and decadal trends (e.g., El Niño/La Niña, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, climate change).

The water column is composed of various physical, chemical and biological features, and only a small number of them are adequately monitored. Features of the water column that are monitored are used as indicators of the water column health and help assess the status of other habitats. These indicators include nutrient concentrations (nitrogen and phosphorus); water quality (dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and pH); water clarity (Secchi depth, turbidity, chlorophyll-a and colored dissolved organic matter); and nekton (fish, macroinvertebrates and megafauna).

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Analysis

Indicators must have a minimum of five to ten years, depending on the habitat, of data within the geographic range of the analysis to be included in the analysis. Ten years of data are required for discrete parameters, and five years of data are required for continuous parameters. If there are insufficient years of data, the number of years of data available will be noted and labeled as “insufficient data to conduct analysis”. Further, for the preferred Seasonal Kendall-Tau test, there must be data from at least two months in common across at least two consecutive years within the RCP managed area being analyzed. Values that pass both of these tests will be included in the analysis and be labeled as Use_In_Analysis = TRUE. Any that fail either test will be excluded from the analyses and labeled as Use_In_Analysis = FALSE.

Water Quality - Discrete

The following files were used in the discrete analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_corrected_for_pheophytin-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_uncorrected_for_pheophytin-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Colored_dissolved_organic_matter_CDOM-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_pH-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Salinity-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Secchi_Depth-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Nitrogen-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Phosphorus-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Suspended_Solids_TSS-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Turbidity-2024-Mar-27.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Water_Temperature-2024-Mar-27.txt

Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin - Discrete Water Quality

Chlorophyll-a is monitored as a measure of microalgae growing in the water. Algae are a natural part of coastal and aquatic ecosystems but in excess can cause poor water quality and clarity, and decreased levels of dissolved oxygen.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5028 621 2007 2023
5002 215 2005 2023
513 121 2002 2023
476 115 2008 2023
103 28 2020 2021
303 7 2019 2019

Program names:

5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network

Value Qualifiers

  • N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
  • N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
  • perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
Value Qualifiers for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
Year N_Total N_I perc_I N_Q perc_Q N_U perc_U
2002 7 7 100.0
2003 2 2 100.0
2004 2 2 100.0
2005 26 15 57.7
2006 6 6 100.0
2007 34 2 5.9 16 47.1
2008 53 6 11.3 5 9.4
2009 54 7 13.0 4 7.4
2010 68 5 7.3 1 1.5 1 1.5
2011 40 1 2.5 1 2.5
2012 42 6 14.3
2013 43 6 13.9
2014 48 2 4.2 1 2.1 9 18.8
2015 48 4 8.3 8 16.7
2016 53 1 1.9 2 3.8 14 26.4
2017 51 2 3.9
2018 87 10 11.5
2019 110 25 22.7
2020 75 16 21.3
2021 120 25 20.8
2022 76 28 36.8 9 11.8
2023 62 33 53.2 5 8.1

Note: 1I - Reported value is greater than or equal to lab method detection limit, but less than quantitation limit 2Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time 3U - Compound was analyzed for but not detected

Programs containing Value Qualified data:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network

Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin - Discrete Water Quality

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5028 210 2017 2023
476 114 1999 2023
103 65 2001 2022
5002 6 2005 2005
118 2 2001 2005
115 1 2001 2001

Program names:

5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program

Value Qualifiers

  • N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
  • N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
  • perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
Value Qualifiers for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
Year N_Total N_I perc_I N_U perc_U
1999 6 2 33.3
2001 8 4 50.0
2003 1 1 100.0
2004 2 1 50.0 1 50.0
2005 10 1 10.0 4 40.0
2006 4 4 100.0
2007 11 9 81.8 2 18.2
2008 2 2 100.0
2019 53 1 1.9
2020 41 3 7.3
2021 111 5 4.5
2022 46 8 17.4 1 2.2
2023 31 8 25.8

Note: 1I - Reported value is greater than or equal to lab method detection limit, but less than quantitation limit 2U - Compound was analyzed for but not detected

Programs containing Value Qualified data:

476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN

Dissolved Oxygen - Discrete Water Quality

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is a key indicator of water quality. Oxygen enters surface waters by air-sea gas exchange, by wind action, or as a byproduct of aquatic plant photosynthesis. The actual quantity of DO in aquatic environments is dependent on the above processes as well as water temperature and salinity.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Dissolved Oxygen
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 4570 1989 2017
5002 3106 1995 2023
95 499 1996 2018
513 261 2020 2023
476 139 2008 2023
103 121 2020 2022
5028 118 2007 2023
303 7 2019 2019
115 5 2001 2001
118 2 2001 2005

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment

Value Qualifiers

  • N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
  • N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
  • perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
Value Qualifiers for Dissolved Oxygen
Year N_Total N_H perc_H
2008 378 8 2.1

Note: 1H - Value based on field kit determination

Programs containing Value Qualified data:

476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network

Dissolved Oxygen Saturation - Discrete Water Quality

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
513 261 2020 2023
5002 198 2018 2023
5028 121 2007 2023
95 120 2008 2018
476 76 2017 2023
303 5 2019 2019

Program names:

513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network

There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

pH - Discrete Water Quality

The pH of water is the measure of how acidic or basic the water body is on a scale of 0-14, with lower readings indicating acidic and higher readings indicating basic, and a pH of 7 being neutral. Florida’s natural waters fall between 6.5 and 8.5 on this scale. A water body’s pH can change due to precipitation, geology, vegetation, water pollution and air pollution.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for pH
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for pH
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 4517 1989 2017
5002 2424 1995 2023
95 502 1996 2018
513 261 2020 2023
5028 158 2007 2023
103 136 2020 2022
476 95 2009 2023
115 5 2001 2001

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program

There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for pH in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

Salinity - Discrete Water Quality

Salinity is a measure of the amount of salt in the water. In estuarine ecosystems, salinity is influenced by precipitation, evaporation, surface-water inputs, and exchange with coastal waters.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Salinity
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Salinity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 4608 1989 2017
5002 2263 1995 2017
95 560 1954 2018
513 259 2020 2023
5028 158 2007 2023
476 84 2016 2023
303 7 2019 2019
115 5 2001 2001

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program

There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for Salinity in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

Secchi Depth - Discrete Water Quality

Secchi depth is a measure of the transparency or clarity of the water by a device called a Secchi disk. A Secchi disk is a black and white disk that is lowered into the water on a cord. The Secchi depth is the depth at which the disk can no longer be seen. The deeper the Secchi depth, the greater the water clarity.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Secchi Depth
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Secchi Depth
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 4404 1994 2017
513 145 2020 2023
476 78 2017 2023
103 66 2020 2022
5028 58 2007 2023
5002 19 2005 2005
303 2 2019 2019
115 1 2001 2001

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program

Value Qualifiers

  • N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
  • N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
  • perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
Value Qualifiers for Secchi Depth
Year N_Total N_S perc_S
2007 328 2 0.6
2008 263 5 1.9
2009 262 7 2.7
2019 18 1 5.6
2021 118 41 34.8
2022 56 28 50.0
2023 82 32 39.0

Note: 1S - Secchi disk visible to bottom of waterbody

Programs containing Value Qualified data:

513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network

Total Nitrogen - Discrete Water Quality

Nitrogen and Phosphorous are key nutrients that provide nourishment essential for the growth and maintenance of aquatic plants and animals; however, excess nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms and other water quality concerns. Nutrients enter water bodies several ways, including runoff from rain events and atmospheric deposition from natural and industrial sources.

Total Nitrogen Calculation:

The logic for calculated Total Nitrogen was provided by Kevin O’Donnell and colleagues at FDEP (with the help of Jay Silvanima, Watershed Monitoring Section). The following logic is used, in this order, based on the availability of specific nitrogen components.

  1. TN = TKN + NO3O2;
  2. TN = TKN + NO3 + NO2;
  3. TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO3O2;
  4. TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO2 + NO3;
  5. TN = TKN + NO3;
  6. TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO3;

Additional Information:

  • Rules for use of sample fraction:
    • FDEP report that if both “Total” and “Dissolved” are reported, only “Total” is used. If the total is not reported, they do use dissolved as a best available replacement.
    • An analysis of all SEACAR data shows that 90% of all possible TN calculations can be done using nitrogen components with the same sample fraction, rather than use nitrogen components with mixed total/dissolved sample fractions. In other words, TN can be calculated when TKN and NO3O2 are both total sample fraction, or when both are dissolved sample fraction. This is important, because then the calculated TN value is not based on components with mixed sample fractions.
  • Values inserted into data:
    • ParameterName = “Total Nitrogen”
    • SEACAR_QAQCFlagCode = “1Q”
    • SEACAR_QAQC_Description = “SEACAR Calculated”
      Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
      Discrete Water Quality
      Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Total Nitrogen
      Discrete Water Quality
      The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site
Programs contributing data for Total Nitrogen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 828 1996 2023
5028 660 2005 2023
476 94 1998 2023
513 14 2018 2023
103 7 2001 2005
303 7 2019 2019
115 1 2001 2001

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program

Value Qualifiers

  • N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
  • N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
  • perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
Value Qualifiers for Total Nitrogen
Year N_Total N_I perc_I N_U perc_U
1997 12 4 33.3
1998 18 8 44.4
1999 18 1 5.6
2001 54 1 1.9
2004 38 1 2.6
2005 65 2 3.1
2006 60 15 25.0
2007 65 5 7.7 6 9.2
2008 80 1 1.2
2009 82 5 6.1
2011 73 4 5.5
2012 72 1 1.4
2013 72 8 11.1 1 1.4
2014 72 1 1.4

Note: 1I - Reported value is greater than or equal to lab method detection limit, but less than quantitation limit 2U - Compound was analyzed for but not detected

Programs containing Value Qualified data:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN

Total Phosphorus - Discrete Water Quality

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Total Phosphorus
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Total Phosphorus
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5028 675 2005 2023
5002 221 2005 2023
513 178 2018 2023
476 148 1998 2023
103 77 2001 2022
303 7 2019 2019
115 1 2001 2001

Program names:

5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program

Value Qualifiers

  • N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
  • N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
  • perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
Value Qualifiers for Total Phosphorus
Year N_Total N_I perc_I N_Q perc_Q N_U perc_U
1998 1 1 100.0
1999 5 3 60.0
2000 7 5 71.4
2001 5 2 40.0 1 20.0
2002 3 1 33.3
2004 5 2 40.0 2 40.0
2005 30 3 10.0 1 3.3
2006 28 2 7.1
2007 40 12 30.0
2008 52 1 1.9
2009 55 1 1.8
2018 87 2 2.3
2019 99 1 1.0
2020 94 6 6.4 4 4.3
2021 220 6 2.7 54 24.6
2022 119 6 5.0 24 20.2 39 32.8
2023 116 8 6.9 8 6.9

Note: 1I - Reported value is greater than or equal to lab method detection limit, but less than quantitation limit 2Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time 3U - Compound was analyzed for but not detected

Programs containing Value Qualified data:

476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program

Total Suspended Solids - Discrete Water Quality

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are solid particles suspended in water that exceed 2 microns in size and can be trapped by a filter.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Total Suspended Solids
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Total Suspended Solids
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 631 2003 2023
513 225 2003 2023
103 48 2020 2021

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)

Value Qualifiers

  • N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
  • N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
  • perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
Value Qualifiers for Total Suspended Solids
Year N_Total N_I perc_I N_Q perc_Q N_U perc_U
2003 28 15 53.6 8 28.6
2004 38 16 42.1 2 5.3
2005 38 1 2.6
2006 37 1 2.7
2007 40 3 7.5
2008 37 3 8.1 1 2.7
2011 43 6 13.9
2012 42 6 14.3
2013 42 6 14.3
2014 43 7 16.3
2015 7 7 100.0
2016 8 8 100.0
2018 41 2 4.9
2019 38 2 5.3
2020 49 4 8.2 1 2.0
2021 137 4 2.9 3 2.2
2022 86 2 2.3 17 19.8
2023 77 1 1.3 3 3.9

Note: 1I - Reported value is greater than or equal to lab method detection limit, but less than quantitation limit 2Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time 3U - Compound was analyzed for but not detected

Programs containing Value Qualified data:

513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN

Turbidity - Discrete Water Quality

Turbidity results from suspended solids in the water, including silts, clays, tannins, industrial wastes, sewage and plankton, which are all factors that contribute to how clouded or murky a water column is. Turbidity is caused by soil erosion, excess nutrients, pollutants, and physical forces such as winds, currents and bottom feeders.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Turbidity
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Turbidity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 2501 1995 2023
476 150 1999 2023
513 136 2014 2023
103 49 2005 2022
95 31 2012 2013
303 8 2019 2019

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network

Value Qualifiers

  • N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
  • N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
  • perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
Value Qualifiers for Turbidity
Year N_Total N_I perc_I N_Q perc_Q N_U perc_U
2000 240 2 0.8
2003 194 1 0.5
2004 152 6 4.0 1 0.7
2006 79 2 2.5
2007 59 1 1.7
2009 91 2 2.2
2010 143 1 0.7
2014 41 1 2.4 1 2.4
2016 7 3 42.9 1 14.3
2018 51 8 15.7 5 9.8
2019 58 5 8.6 15 25.9
2020 53 12 22.6 6 11.3 7 13.2
2021 142 19 13.4 25 17.6 1 0.7
2022 58 14 24.1 11 19.0
2023 95 8 8.4 19 20.0 2 2.1

Note: 1I - Reported value is greater than or equal to lab method detection limit, but less than quantitation limit 2Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time 3U - Compound was analyzed for but not detected

Programs containing Value Qualified data:

513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network

Water Temperature - Discrete Water Quality

Temperature determines the capacity of water to hold oxygen. Cooler water can hold more dissolved oxygen because water molecules are more tightly packed, making it harder for oxygen to escape. Additionally, as water temperature increases, fish and other aquatic organisms become more active and consume oxygen at a faster rate.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Discrete Water Quality
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Water Temperature
Discrete Water Quality
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site

Programs contributing data for Water Temperature
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 4616 1989 2017
5002 3079 1995 2023
95 567 1954 2018
513 261 2020 2023
5028 152 2007 2023
103 136 2020 2022
476 83 2017 2023
303 7 2019 2019
115 5 2001 2001

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program

There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for Water Temperature in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

Water Quality - Continuous

The following files were used in the continuous analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_SW-2024-Mar-23.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation_SW-2024-Mar-23.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH_SW-2024-Mar-23.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity_SW-2024-Mar-23.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity_SW-2024-Mar-23.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature_SW-2024-Mar-23.txt

Continuous Water Quality
Map showing Continuous Water Quality Monitoring sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis are featured in this report.

Dissolved Oxygen - Continuous Water Quality

MP2B

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP1A

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP3C

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

All Stations Combined

Continuous Water Quality
Continuous Water Quality
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for All Stations - Dissolved Oxygen
Station N_Data N_Years Period of Record Median tau SennIntercept SennSlope p
MP2B 543952 18 2005 - 2022 6.6 0.03 6.36 0.01 0.5386
MP1A 529522 18 2005 - 2022 6.3 -0.10 6.36 -0.02 0.0556
MP3C 453711 15 2009 - 2023 5.8 0.28 4.97 0.09 0.0000

Dissolved Oxygen Saturation - Continuous Water Quality

MP2B

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP1A

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP3C

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

All Stations Combined

Continuous Water Quality
Continuous Water Quality
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for All Stations - Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
Station N_Data N_Years Period of Record Median tau SennIntercept SennSlope p
MP2B 544252 18 2005 - 2022 91.1 -0.04 90.69 -0.09 0.4621
MP1A 526884 18 2005 - 2022 87.9 -0.15 90.93 -0.26 0.0035
MP3C 455052 15 2009 - 2023 80.7 0.27 69.82 1.23 0.0000

pH - Continuous Water Quality

MP1A

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP2B

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP3C

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

All Stations Combined

Continuous Water Quality
Continuous Water Quality
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for All Stations - pH
Station N_Data N_Years Period of Record Median tau SennIntercept SennSlope p
MP1A 493048 18 2005 - 2022 8.0 -0.15 8.06 -0.01 0.0055
MP2B 509989 18 2005 - 2022 8.0 0.06 7.99 0.00 0.2185
MP3C 421129 15 2009 - 2023 7.9 0.16 7.90 0.01 0.0090

Salinity - Continuous Water Quality

MP2B

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP1A

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP3C

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

All Stations Combined

Continuous Water Quality
Continuous Water Quality
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for All Stations - Salinity
Station N_Data N_Years Period of Record Median tau SennIntercept SennSlope p
MP2B 563919 18 2005 - 2022 24.7 -0.32 30.02 -0.38 0.0000
MP1A 541260 18 2005 - 2022 27.3 -0.33 31.36 -0.35 0.0000
MP3C 479167 15 2009 - 2023 23.9 -0.20 27.72 -0.25 0.0007

Turbidity - Continuous Water Quality

MP2B

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP1A

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP3C

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

All Stations Combined

Continuous Water Quality
Continuous Water Quality
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for All Stations - Turbidity
Station N_Data N_Years Period of Record Median tau SennIntercept SennSlope p
MP2B 490414 18 2005 - 2022 1 -0.25 3.07 -0.13 0.0000
MP1A 434165 18 2005 - 2022 2 -0.15 10.27 -0.18 0.0038
MP3C 417177 15 2009 - 2023 1 -0.13 2.35 -0.08 0.0207

Water Temperature - Continuous Water Quality

MP2B

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP1A

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

MP3C

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Program (512)
Continuous Water Quality

All Stations Combined

Continuous Water Quality
Continuous Water Quality
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for All Stations - Water Temperature
Station N_Data N_Years Period of Record Median tau SennIntercept SennSlope p
MP2B 572608 18 2005 - 2022 26.2 0.21 25.44 0.06 0.0001
MP1A 574443 18 2005 - 2022 26.4 0.24 25.28 0.06 0.0000
MP3C 483113 15 2009 - 2023 26.7 0.22 25.38 0.06 0.0002

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

The data file used is: All_SAV_Parameters-2024-Mar-29.txt

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) refers to plants and plant-like macroalgae species that live entirely underwater. The two primary categories of SAV inhabiting Florida estuaries are benthic macroalgae and seagrasses. They often grow together in dense beds or meadows that carpet the seafloor. Macroalgae include multicellular species of green, red and brown algae that often live attached to the substrate by a holdfast. They tend to grow quickly and can tolerate relatively high nutrient levels, making them a threat to seagrasses and other benthic habitats in areas with poor water quality. In contrast, seagrasses are grass-like, vascular, flowering plants that are attached to the seafloor by extensive root systems. Seagrasses occur throughout the coastal areas of Florida, including protected bays and lagoons as well as deeper offshore waters on the continental shelf. Seagrasses have taken advantage of the broad, shallow shelf and clear water to produce two of the most extensive seagrass beds anywhere in continental North America.

Parameters

Percent Cover measures the fraction of an area of seafloor that is covered by SAV, usually estimated by evaluating multiple small areas of seafloor. Percent cover is often estimated for total SAV, individual types of vegetation (seagrass, attached algae, drift algae) and individual species.

Frequency of Occurrence was calculated as the number of times a taxon was observed in a year divided by the number of sampling events, multiplied by 100. Analysis is conducted at the quadrat level and is inclusive of all quadrats (i.e., quadrats evaluated using Braun-Blanquet, modified Braun-Blanquet, and percent cover.”

Species

Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) is the largest of the Florida seagrasses, with longer, thicker blades and deeper root structures than any of the other seagrasses. It is considered a climax seagrass species.

Shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) is an early colonizer of vegetated areas and usually grows in water too shallow for other species except widgeon grass. It can often tolerate larger salinity ranges than other seagrass species. Shoal grass is characterized by thin, flat blades, that are narrower than turtle grass blades.

Manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) is easily recognizable because its leaves are thin and cylindrical instead of the flat, ribbon-like form shared by many other seagrass species. The leaves can grow up to half a meter in length. Manatee grass is usually found in mixed seagrass beds or small, dense monospecific patches.

Widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) grows in both fresh and salt water and is widely distributed throughout Florida’s estuaries in less saline areas, particularly in inlets along the east coast. This species resembles shoal grass in certain environments but can be identified by the pointed tips of its leaves.

Three species of Halophila spp. are found in Florida - Star grass (Halophila engelmannii), Paddle grass (Halophila decipiens), and Johnson’s seagrass (Halophila johnsonii). These are smaller, more fragile seagrasses than other Florida species and are considered ephemeral. They grow along a single long rhizome, with short blades. These species are not well-studied, although surveys are underway to define their ecological roles.

Notes

Star grass, Paddle grass, and Johnson’s seagrass will be grouped together and listed as Halophila spp. in the following managed areas. This is because several surveys did not specify to the species level:

  • Banana River Aquatic Preserve

  • Indian River-Malabar to Vero Beach Aquatic Preserve

  • Indian River-Vero Beach to Ft. Pierce Aquatic Preserve

  • Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve

  • Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve

  • Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve

  • Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve

  • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

SAV - Temporal Scope
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve by Program name.

Sampling locations by Program:

SAV - Sampling Map
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.

Charlotte Harbor Seagrass Monitoring - Program 570
N_Data YearMin YearMax Collection Method Sample Locations
1665 2000 2022 Braun Blanquet 4

SAV
Median percent cover by species in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Linear mixed-effects models are applied to each species to produce species trends. The trendlines are then isolated and reproduced below for ease of viewing. The LME results are available in table form beneath the supplemental trendplot below.
SAV

SAV
SAV

SAV
Generalized additive models for each species in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Species must have at least 10 years of data to be evaluated.

Drift algae, Total seagrass, Attached algae, No grass in Quadrat, and Total SAV are excluded from the analyses.